Installing a battery to maximise your Solar PV energy usage
So, you’re thinking of adding a battery to your solar PV system? That is an incredibly smart move because the savings you can make are significant, drastically cutting your monthly and annual energy bills. When you use the generated energy in your home instead of exporting it back to the grid, the return on investment becomes very attractive, and the payback periods are impressively short.
Maintaining FiT Payments
One of the primary concerns for solar PV system owners is whether they can keep their FiT payments after installing a battery. The answer is yes, but it is crucial that the battery retrofitting is done correctly. The battery needs to be integrated into your system in a way that doesn’t interfere with the generation meter. Proper installation by a specialist ensures that the battery is AC coupled, meaning it is connected after the generation meter. This setup allows you to be paid for the electricity you generate before it is stored in the battery.
Financial Benefits
With battery systems for homes now offering payback periods of around 4-6 years, especially with a FiT rate, investing in energy storage has become a no-brainer. Consumers can take advantage of time-shifting tariffs from energy companies like Octopus Energy, which offer rates of 7.5p-9p per unit of electricity during off-peak hours, compared to the standard rate of 25p. This makes the move to home energy storage systems even more financially beneficial.
Installation and Costs
Installing a battery system typically takes about half a day, but it's advisable to allow for a full day if you need to replace your inverter simultaneously. The cost of a battery system varies based on your daily energy requirements, with prices starting from as low as £4,000 and generally not exceeding £10,000 for high energy users. Most domestic installations cost around £6,000.
Get More Information
We have created a free comprehensive guide to answer all your questions in significant detail for adding a battery to your existing Solar P.V. system. We explain how we size the battery, calculate your savings, and estimate costs. Plus, we cover how to continue receiving your FiT payments and account for additional energy requirements like an EV. This guide consolidates the most frequently asked questions into an easy-to-understand format, giving you the insights you need to make the best decision. If you would like your free guide, then click then click this link, fill out a few details and you'll receive it to your email straight away.
Conclusion
Adding a battery storage system to your existing solar PV setup while collecting FiT payments is not only possible but highly beneficial. It enhances your energy independence, reduces electricity bills, and maximises your return on investment. By ensuring proper installation and integration, you can continue to enjoy your FiT payments while making the most of stored energy, providing a sustainable and financially savvy energy solution for the future.